YAPs Gen F campaign heads to Colac.

he Victorian Farmers Federation is calling on young people from across the state to “have their say” on the future of agriculture. The VFF’s Young Agribusiness Professionals (YAPs) latest Generation F event will be held Colac on Monday February 18, under the slogan of “securing the next generation of food and fibre production”. “The campaign is all about young people – farmers, bankers, accountants, students and others – building a blueprint that sells a positive image of agriculture,” VFF YAPs committee member Chris Walsh said. “It’s young people who are best placed to tell our industry and political leaders how to get more young people onto the land,” Mr Walsh said. The night will be chaired by YAPs committee member Chris Walsh and will discuss how best to promote agriculture as a viable and sustainable industry to the next generation of producers Mr Walsh said the event will also provide an overview of the outcomes of the Gen F campaign to date. “So far the Gen F event has created a leasing register to help young farmers to get on the land,” Mr Walsh said. “We’re planning to hold a number of career-focused events throughout different regions in 2013, creating a register of farms able take on work experience students, and organising a number of succession planning forums around the state.” The Gen F campaign has brought together more than 300 young people since it was launched in May last year. Students, farmers and those employed in wider agribusiness are all encouraged to attend the latest Gen F event, which is one of the final events before the YAPs conference, in Lorne on April 12. “We’re expecting some great ideas from everyone on the night – and we’re also hoping people will use the event as a networking opportunity,” Mr Walsh said. The event will be held at Colby’s Bistro from 6pm. It is free for VFF and YAPs members and $10 for non-members. Dinner and some drinks will be provided.